Cuff-link



J. D. FONTAINEA CUFF LINK.

APPLICATION I'ILED JANA, i921.

1,375,581 Patented Apr. 19, 1921.

SWIM/4307,

Wikmwoao 59. W

s'rrs UNIE JOSEPH DORILE FONTAINE, or NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS.

CUFF-LINK.

Application filed January 4, 1921. Serial No. 434,965.

I make and use the same.

This invention relates to an improved cuff link, and has for one of its objects to provide an article of this class made up of two permanently connected relatively slidable and rotatable members including heads of difierent sizes such as employed on conventional types of links now on the market, there being locking means associated with the members to retain the heads in substantially parallel position when the link is in position in the cuff, and thls lock ing means being such as to permit the heads to be moved so that the smaller one is substantially cross-wise of the other head to permit easy separation of the free ends of the cuff when taking a shirt off.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple, highly efficient, strong, and durable cuff link of extremely inexpensive construction which is adaptable for use with either stiff cuffs or soft cufis.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a cuff link constructed in accordance with this invention, the members being shown in their normal and effective position.

Fi 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the smaller head moved to the position it is intended to assume when desired to separate the free ends of the end. 7

Fig. 3 is a sectional view, with parts in elevation, taken on the plane of the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. l is an enlarged detail perspective view of the link. 7

In carrying out the invention, I employ a pair of permanently connected members 1 and 2, the first named including a relatively large signet head 3 and a laterally extending tubular shank 4. The member 2 likewise includes a head 5 which is shaped differently from the head 3 and is of a length slightly less'than the button-hole through which it is to he passed, it being Specification of Letters Patent. -Patefited Apr. 19, 192 1; i

understood that when it is in effective poi i sition, it extends cross-wise of the buttonhole to prevent displacement of the link. In

addition to including a head, this member also includes a laterally extending shank or stem 6 which telescopes into the shank l, permitting the aforesaid relative sliding and rotary movement of the two heads. In order to retain the parts in a comparatively immovable position, I make use of novel locking means associated with the shanks. 'Io this end, I provide the tubular shank 4 1n one side with a closed slot 7 in order to provide a shoulder 8 at one of its ends which serves a function to be hereinafter set forth. At this same end of the slot I form a notch 9 which serves to receive a lateral lug 10 carried by the shank 6. In addition to these parts, the locking means also includes a comparatively stiff coiled spring 11 which is placed in the tubular shank 4: and exert-s pressure against the ad jacent end of the shank 6 to retain the aforesaid lug 10 in the notch 9 thus preventing sliding movement of the two members unless manually forced toward each other. I

In using the link, it is advisable to place thesame in the button-holes of the cuff prior to putting the shirt on, this being done in the usual way as if the link were a one-piece article. It will therefore be seen that the improved construction does not facilitate, to a great extent, the insertion of the link. However, when it is desired to separate the free ends of the cuff, this can be easily done by placing the first two fingers on the signet head 3 to retain it in a substantially sta tionary position. Then, place the thumb on the head 5 and force it toward the head 3 against the action of the spring 11.v Now, remove one of the first two fingers from the head 3 and bring it back to the head 5 and rotate the latter to the left causing the lug 10 to become engaged with the shoulder 8 and in turn causing the head 5 to assume a position cross-wise with respect to the other head. The smaller head 5 will then be in alinement with the button-hole of the cuff and by exerting a slight pull on one end of the latter, an easy Separation of the ends no chance of the link becoming lost or accidentally permitting separation of the ends of the cuff. It is, of course, understoodthat thesignet head 3 will be placed on the out side of'the cufi, that is, it will be positioned on the side of the'cuif where it Will be seen, thus bringing the smallerhead on the side of the cuff where it can be conveniently pressed inward by the thumb Without p1ac ing the hand in an unnatural position. If desired, the link can beleit in the cuff overnight. These and other advantages and features of the invention have, no doubt, become apparent from the foregoing description and drawings.

A; careful consideration of the foregoing paragraph is thought sufficient to enable persons skilled in the art to Which the invention relates to obtain clear understanding of the same. Therefore, a more lengthy description is deemedunnecessary.

Since the features and results accomplished by this invention may be obtainedsize, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, so long as no departure from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claim is made.

I claim: A cufi'-link comprising a relatively "large flat head including an integral laterally extending hollow stem having aslot formed in one side, said slot being closed at its end and reduced in Width at its outer endto form a notch, a second and smaller head including a lateral shank telescoping into said stem, said shank carrying a lateral locking lug slidable in said slot and receivable in said notch to prevent relative rotation of the heads and to permanently connect the heads together, and a coiled spring arranged in said stem and bearing against the tree end of theshank to retain the lug in the notch and to prevent relative rotary or slid ing movement of the stem and shank.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

JOSEPH DORILE FONTAINE 

